Again, if using monitors, stereo subs next to them is definitely the general recommendation. And it most assuredly does matter that muchThe reason I suggest to avoid stereo sub placement like you describe is to
avoid quarter wave rear wall cancellation in the bass that you always get from symmetrical placement of full range speakers. The great advantage of a sub is that you can reduce this problem with an asymmetrical placement.
I agree that stereo subs next to speakers is definitely the "general recommendation" though. With so many free standing full range speakers out there, I suspect most people don't worry about these details or are blissfully unaware. No wonder there are so many room acoustic bass problems and speaker demos never sound the same twice and some companies have special "setup" technicians trying to figure the best sounding compromise in placement of large full range speakers.